KARACHI, Sept 25: The Nazim Karachi, Naimatullah Khan, has condemned the attack at the office of an NGO in which seven Christians have been killed.

He appealed to the Christian community to stay calm, saying such acts of cowardice could not succeed in driving a wedge between the Muslims and the Christians.

At an emergency press conference on Wednesday, Mr Khan said it was a target killing aimed to weaken the country. He added that it was the duty of the government to provide security to the minorities and assured that the city government would fulfil its duties.

He was flanked by Bishop Everest Pinto of the Catholic Church, Bishop Sadiq Daniel of the Church of Pakistan, Father Joseph Paul, Father Fascal, Father Sabestian Shauf and a number of other representatives of the Christian community, and several elected representatives.

The Nazim talked about his visit to Civil Hospital where he met relations of the victims.

The Nazim later had a telephone talk with the Capital City Police Officer of Karachi, Asad Jehangir, and asked him to provide maximum security to Robin Sharif since he was the lone witness of the carnage at Rimpa Plaza.

The Nazim announced that all expenses of Robin Sharif’s treatment would be borne by the city government. The first cheque for Rs200,000 for the purpose would be released to Aga Khan hospital on Thursday.

He expressed confidence in the law-enforcing agencies, saying they had smashed a number of terrorist networks in the recent past and hoped that those involved in the Rimpa Plaza attack would also be apprehended soon.

Expressing sympathies with the families of those killed and the entire Christian community, Mr Khan said terrorists had no religion and belief and they were beneath contempt.

He said since Karachi is the hub of business and commerce in the country, this ghastly incident can only be termed a conspiracy against the country, adding that we are strong enough to counter such moves.

He said the Christians are part of our society and appealed them to stay calm and not to fall into the trap of the conspirators.

Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Sadiq Daniel condemned the gory incident and said these acts are part of a deep-rooted conspiracy to create a rift between the Christians and the Muslims.

Bishop Sadiq announced that all denominations of Christians would observe a three-day mourning in Karachi.

Bishop Everest Pinto of the Catholic Church conducted prayers for the dead men, and thanked the Nazim Karachi for giving time and support to the bereaved community.

He emphasized the maintenance of brotherly relations between the Christians and the Muslims.

GOVERNOR: Sindh Governor Mohammedmian Soomro has expressed grief at the killing of seven Christians in a terrorist attack in the city on Wednesday. He condoled with the families.—APP